Schools to close early for fair

By JUSTIN HARMON/Staff

Fairs are almost always fun. They’re cause for celebration every time they roll around with rides, carnival games and live entertainment.
School kids have yet another reason to celebrate the Washington County Fair – they get out of school early.
On Sept. 14, all Washington County Public Schools will close their doors early and let their kids go to the fair, free of admission until 3 p.m.
“We want to give them a chance to experience the fair,” said Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee.
According to Lee, this is the third year the schools have done such a thing, quickly making it an annual occurrence.
Public School Elementary Supervisor Dr. Janet Lester hopes that, in addition to giving the kids something of a treat, it will help foster a better sense of community.
Washington County has 7,240 students. Lester said the first year students were let out early, 667 showed up for the activities geared toward them. Last year, 1,077 came out.
“We’re hoping for even more than that this year,” she said.
Some of the activities for the school kids include a water balloon toss, a tractor pull, a pie-eating contest and a talent showcase, one of the more popular attractions, according to Lester.
Of course, the kids don’t get to have all the fun.
This year’s list of fair activities is pretty large. The fair officially starts on Sept. 10 with a chili cook-off.
Sept.11 is Senior Citizens’ day with free admission for seniors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Entertainment for the fair is provided by a number of bands and singers, including Jimmy Fortune, Josh Gracin, Black Hawk and Aaron Tippin.
Art exhibits, 4-H presentations and other activities will be returning this year as well. For more information and a complete fair schedule, visit http://www.washcofair.com.
Justin Harmon can be reached at 628-7101 or